Wednesday, 9th March, 2016

The House met at 1430 hours

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

_______

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

CLOSURE OF COPPERBELT UNIVERSITY AND UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA

The Minister of Higher Education (Dr Kaingu): Mr Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to brief this august House and the general public on the way forward regarding the reopening of the University of Zambia (UNZA), Great East Road Campus, and the Copperbelt University (CBU).

Sir, as the House is aware, the two largest public universities have been closed since 3rd February, 2016, following days of violent demonstrations and arson attacks. As I informed this House in the statement that I made on 9th February, 2016, the decision to close the two universities was painful and regrettable.

Mr Speaker, I have said before, and I will repeat, no amount of anger should drive students to burn public property and destroy university infrastructure. The Government will not condone this kind of behaviour from students.

Sir, from the time the two universities were closed about a month and a week ago, my ministry has received numerous representations from the students’ union leaders, university lecturers’ union leaders, Her Ladyship the Chief Justice Madam Chibesakunda, His Grace Archbishop Mpundu, Chaplains of the two universities and other church leaders. The ministry has also received representations from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), parents of students at the two universities and members of the public, requesting us to consider reopening the universities. The ministry has been overwhelmed by the volume of letters of apology from various quarters, mainly students’ bodies. Therefore, it is clear to us that the students are remorseful and have learnt a lesson from their mistakes.

Mr Speaker, the Government has no intensions of keeping the universities closed. I, therefore, wish to announce that we intend to reopen the universities around 10th April, 2016. However, this is subject to their meeting the conditions set by their councils and managements. The universities are expected to ensure that:

(a)    sufficient and effective security measures are put in place to regulate the entry and exit of visitors to the universities. This should include sealing off of all porous points, strictly enforcing the use of student’s identity cards, installation of floodlights and security cameras and the provision of walkie-talkie radio communication systems to the security officers;

(b)    all students are made to sign a commitment form, pledging not to indulge in any violent protests;

(c)    the Offices of the Dean of Students design programmes aimed at instilling discipline in students by sensitising them on social dialogue, non-violent engagements and other dispute resolution processes; 

(d)    all the students on Government bursary in both public and private universities are surcharged for the damage caused to property; and 

(e)    all those who have been identified as ring leaders in the violent are expelled, as they are inimical to the academic life of the universities. This includes the students, lecturers and staff. 

Sir, the university that will not meet the above-mentioned conditions will not be reopened.

Mr Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to inform the House that the Higher Education Loans and Scholarship Board Bill has now been finalised, and will be brought to the House for adoption. Our intention is to operationalise this body in January, 2017.

Sir, the Government will continue to pay tuition, accommodation and project allowances to students until the Student Loan and Scholarship Scheme is in place. However, we have decided to discontinue the payment of meal allowances to students at both universities. This is because it has been abused and has become a source of unrest at the two universities over the years. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the statement given by the hon. Minister of Higher Education.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, according to the hon. Minister, the decision to close the two universities was a painful one. It had to take the intervention of people and groups that you have mentioned for the Government to reconsider its position and reopen the universities.

Sir, did it not appeal to your conscience to consider reopening the universities rather than waiting for people to pressurise you through the numerous letters that you received?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for that question. However, it has failed to buy into the statement that I have just given. As the Government, we wanted the students to be remorseful. We were worried that if we reopened the universities before the students repented, they would be closed again. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you. 
Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the question by the hon. Member for Mpongwe was whether it had to take the intervention of the third parties that were mentioned rather than your conscience for you to take the decision that you have taken today.

Dr Kaingu: Sir, it was clear that the students were not remorseful. It had to take the intervention of the people I mentioned to convince me otherwise, as I was not convinced that the students would behave once they were readmitted into the institutions.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kazabu (Nkana): Mr Speaker, undoubtedly, the repeated closures of the two public universities have far-reaching damage on the reputation of the institutions and study programmes of the students. The closures also create a lot of anxiety in the parents of students. In view of this, what specific measures have been put in place by the Government to ensure that we do not continue on this path of repeated closures of the two public universities?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I totally agree with the hon. Member of Parliament for Nkana that the closures of the two universities are not helpful to the learners and reputation of the institutions. We have taken some measures which we hope will mitigate the problem. It is my hope that we shall have sanity at the universities after the measures that I have itemised in my speech have been taken. Suffice it to say that if there is no academic life at a university for three days, the university will have simply closed itself. So, it is not true that the university has been closed by the hon. Minister. I repeat that if there is no learning at a university for three days, the university will have closed itself. 

Sir, some of the measures we have taken include getting rid of people who are inimical to the learning atmosphere at the universities under discussion. These include students who spearheaded the riots and some lecturers and staff who are supposed to be mentors to the students but, instead, were instigators. The other measure that we have taken is to bring to this House, hopefully before it rises, a Bill on the Loans and Scholarships Scheme.

I thank you, Sir.

Ms Lubezhi (Namwala): Mr Speaker, the students rioted because of the non-payment of meal allowances. If I heard the hon. Minister correctly, in the latter part of his statement, he said that the Government has discontinued the payment of meal allowances. How will the students survive without meal allowances? I foresee a situation where the students will riot again upon arrival if they hear that there will be no meal allowances.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, it is clear that the cause of unrest, so far, at the universities has been the meal allowances. To help the hon. Member of Parliament for Namwala understand what is happening, I would like to say that students at other public universities such as Mulungushi, Mukuba and Chalimbana universities, just to mention a few, have not been getting student meal allowances. So, we are not introducing anything new, as we are already doing it with the other universities. We want to extend it to the other two public universities.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, the latter part of the question was: do you not see an eruption of disturbances when the universities reopen as a result of the withdrawal of meal allowances?

Dr Kaingu: Sir, with the conditions that we have put in place, I do not see that happening because the students will have to pledge that they will not involve themselves in riotous behaviour before they are readmitted.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, some students at the institutions of higher learning belong to political parties such as the United National Independence Party (UNIP), Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND). Does the hon. Minister not think that politics have also played a role in the destabilisation of the institutions?

Dr Kaingu: Sorry, Mr Speaker, I did not get the hon. Member’s question.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Chadiza, could you repeat your question.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, do politicians also play a role in destabilising the institutions? In other words, are the closures politically-motivated?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, yes, there is overwhelming evidence that political parties have branches at universities. Some political party leaders have been spotted at the public universities. It is my appeal to all politicians, particularly those who were with me in the Opposition, to refrain from turning universities into hunting grounds for party members.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Hamusonde (Nangoma): Mr Speaker, were some lecturers at the two universities involved in the recent rioting incidences?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Nangoma for that question. I would like to inform him that the involvement of lecturers cannot be ruled out.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa): Mr Speaker, I would like refer to the hon. Minister’s comment that when the university reopens, meal allowances will not be paid to the students. 

Sir, there are a few students at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Copperbelt University (CBU) who come from Liuwa. I know very well that their parents are poor and are unable to cater for their children’s meals while in the universities. Can the hon. Minister explain whether special arrangements will be made for poor students from Liuwa to be fed by the Government or he wants to deny them university education, as  they cannot feed themselves.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the question that has been posed by the hon. Member of Parliament for Liuwa avails him an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to his electorate by …

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

Mr Muntanga: Be serious.

Dr Kaingu: … paying meal allowances to the said students. However, the conditions we have set before the university reopens are very clear. Those who will not be able to fend for themselves as far as meal allowances are concerned have a choice to make.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr L. J. Ngoma (Sinda): Mr Speaker, the Patriotic Front (PF) got into power on the backdrop of providing free education. In the universities are students from very poor backgrounds, sons and daughters of peasant farmers, widows and widowers. The situation is dire. Is the hon. Minister telling us that the PF Government has decided to do away with its election promise of providing free education?

Ms Lubezhi: Hear! Hear!

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I have been a Minister for ten years now. I have served in both the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and the PF governments. I want to categorically say that between the two governments, the PF has invested more in education, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: … particularly secondary education. It is very clear for everybody to see.

Mr Antonio: Question!

Dr Kaingu: Even a child cannot fail to see the investment in the education sector.

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, we have been providing free education to the most vulnerable students at the two universities. Unfortunately, the students have failed to appreciate that good gesture from the Government by engaging in riotous activities. So, the hon. Member should know that we shall continue to provide affordable education to students through the Student Loan and Scholarship Scheme.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mtolo (Chipata Central): Mr Speaker, in his statement, the hon. Minister …

Mr Mwiimbu: On a point of order, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mwiimbu: Mr Speaker, I would like you to take judicial notice of the fact that the outbreak of cholera in Lusaka is spreading to various townships and areas outside Lusaka.

Mr Speaker, the question that begs an answer is: What measures has the Government put in place to ensure that the cholera outbreak is eradicated? In the last four days, there has been a severe shortage of water in Lusaka, resulting in the suspension of court operations. Inmates at the Lusaka Central Prison have not been taken to court because of a lack of water.

Further, Mr Speaker, I was at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) two days ago, and I witnessed that the entire UTH has no water. As if that were not enough, most of the clinics in Lusaka have been affected by the water shortage. We all know that cholera arises from squalor and situations where there is no portable water. 

Mr Speaker, I also wish you to be mindful of Zambia’s hosting of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) in a week or so in the midst …

Mr Nkombo: Two days.

Mr Mwiimbu: … of an outbreak of cholera, yet no measures are being put in place to address the situation. 

Mr Speaker, is the Government in order to allow a situation where hospitals in Lusaka have no water, thus exacerbating the cholera outbreak when the country is hosting a conference of this magnitude in Lusaka? Is the Government in order not to inform us on what measures are being put in place to address this issue?

Mr Speaker: I am aware that the hon. Minister of Health addressed that issue to some extent. However, in the light of the concerns that you have legitimately raised, I will still request the hon. Minister of Health, in consultation with his counterpart in the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, to update the House and respond to the issues that the hon. Member of Parliament for Monze Central has raised.

May the hon. Member for Chipata Central Continue.

Mr Mtolo: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that the universities could open around April, 2016, and that the Students Loan Scheme, which we are very happy to hear about, will be introduced sometime in January, 2017. Would the hon. Minister consider synchronising the withdrawal of meal allowances, which are already budgeted for, with the time when the Student Loan and Scholarship Scheme will be introduced.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear! 

Mr Mtolo: Would he reconsider his position so as to enable poor families plan for their children by January? Otherwise, the intelligent, but unfortunate students will not manage to feed themselves.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member’s concern is more of mitigation. I have stated the conditions on which students will be admitted. However, since he has submitted a mitigating factor, I will take it up and see what can be done about it. He can submit his mitigation measure to my office so that we can look at it.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mbulakulima (Chembe): Mr Speaker, this question is directed at the vice-president of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) from the national secretary.

Sir, I thought it was a slip of the tongue when the hon. Minister referred to the enhancement of security at the universities. The boundary fences at both universities are porous and the areas are too big. Considering that today is 9th March, 2016, and that the intention is to open the universities around 9th or 10th April, 2016, which is only a month from now, how possible is it for the universities to buy gadgets to enhance security with the little resources that they have? Is the Government in a position to give them supplementary budgetary allocations or other form of assistance that will make this proposal feasible?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, allow me, as his vice-president, to thank the capable National Secretary for the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD).

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: I am happy to respond to his question which has also come in the form of mitigation.

Sir, we have given conditions to the universities. If there are any inabilities to fulfil them on their part, they should come forward and make them known. 

Mr Nkombo (Mazabuka Central): Mr Speaker, when the universities closed, I reminded the hon. Minister that the meal allowance, which was paid in part to the students, had been used for other purposes, including lodging because of the inadequate bed space, particularly at the University of Zambia (UNZA). In view of this, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether he took this into account in order to circumvent a situation where students are not able to afford to find a place to ‘lay their heads’. 

If the hon. Minister is kind enough, does he think that this decision is corrective or punitive?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, if the hon. Member looks at this statement carefully, he will see that the conditions that we have set are punitive. We want to make sure that students realise the importance of going to the university to study and not to cause problems. 

I am not privy to the information that the hon. Member has given me to the effect that part of the meal allowance is used to pay for accommodation. To the contrary, according to the grapevine, part of the meal allowance is used to buy electronic gadgets. That is one of the speculations. As far as we are concerned, meal allowances are paid in order for students to buy food and not for them to spend on other things.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, as a former student of the University of Zambia (UNZA), former President of the University of Zambia Student’s Union (UNZASU) and member of the University Council, I am saddened by the statement that the hon. Minister has given in this House. 

In his response, the hon. Minister has indicated, firstly, that the decisions that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has taken are punitive and, secondly, that the students’ meal allowances are the major cause of disturbances. However, many people know, as much as the hon. Minister does, that the biggest problem is the poor funding to the institution by the Government. That is what the problem is.

Sir, as regards the punitive measures that the hon. Minister is insisting should be imposed, is he aware that the university is an autonomous institution which is regulated by an Act of Parliament? Is he also aware that the union, whose leaders he is saying should be expelled, is a creation of an Act of Parliament? So, when it comes to punishing those who offend the law of the university, there are disciplinary procedures and rules that govern the conduct of those within the university community. 

Which law empowers the hon. Minister to mete out punishment on students, compel institutions of learning to expel student leaders and come up with draconian and drastic decisions to withdraw meal allowances which are part of the bursary, which is a contract that is already in effect?

Mr Speaker, those of us who were students before know the difficulties of not paying students meal allowances because it is simply impossible to survive without them. With that in mind and, as he tries to find a solution to the problem, does he agree with me that it is apparent that the decision that he has made, especially as regards meal allowances, is irrational and illogical?

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, let me help the hon. Member of Parliament for Choma Central in case he was not in the House in 2013 when the University Act of 1999 was repealed and replaced with the Higher Education Act No. 4, 2013. Since he is a lawyer, I urge him to get the Higher Education Act No. 4, 2013 to influence and educate himself. 

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: Sir, we shall pay the allowances within our means. The bursary forms that the students signed are very clear, as they state that students will wait for the payment of the allowances until they are made available. So, there is no reason for the students to riot when the allowances are late. I want to inform the learned counsel of Choma ...

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: ... that as the Government, we shall try our best to provide for the students as long as they adhere to the conditions of the bursaries. 
I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mufalali (Senanga Central): Mr Speaker, I would like to remind the hon. Minister that under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, one student who could not get a bursary to study at the University of Zambia (UNZA) committed suicide, yet the PF came into power on the premise that they would be a pro-poor Government. They have since moved away from the implementation of pro-poor programmes to ‘each one for himself’ type of programmes. How will a letter of undertaking stop a hungry student from rioting? Do you expect a hungry student to wait for the meal allowance indefinitely? Are you taking away the students’ right to demand for what is theirs? 

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I want to agree with the hon. Member that it was unfortunate that a student who did so well in the Grade 12 Examinations committed suicide because she could not get a bursary to study at UNZA. Those who are privileged to get a bursary to study at UNZA are the ones who are causing problems. They do not appreciate the fact that many other students are not privileged to go to UNZA through the same means. I think that is what we should understand. It is important for the hon. Member for Senanga Central to know that university students do not just need to study courses to develop cognitive knowledge. They must also develop affection for what they are doing. They must also develop and improve their psychomotor skills. However, what we are seeing is that the students who are privileged to study at UNZA, through the bursaries, are the ones who destroy infrastructure for the institution. This infrastructure is also for the taxpayers. I do not know whether the hon. Member would have been happy if it were his vehicle that was stoned the day the university students rioted.  We are trying to correct the situation and make the students realise that life is not easy and that life is a process. They have to mature while they are still at school and not after they have graduated. That is what life is all about. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Mr Speaker, the measures that the hon. Minister has announced today will not solve the problems at the two public universities. The Bobby Bwalya Commission of Inquiry was tasked to look into the causes of student unrest from as far back as 1982. In that document, which I believe is in the hon. Minister’s Office, several causes of student unrest have been cited, chief among them being the chronic underfunding to universities. Until we begin to finance our universities in a sustainable and predictable manner, we shall continue to have student unrests. The other cause of student unrest is the archaic University Act which was referred to by Hon. Mweetwa, and which has been replaced by the Higher Education Act No. 4, 2013, which the hon. Minister referred to. We are also waiting for the formation of the much-anticipated Student Loan Board. 

Sir, if chronic underfunding is the major problem at our universities, I have not heard the hon. Minister mention any broad measures that will solve this problem once and for all. Can the hon. Minister mention any measure that he thinks will solve the problem of funding for universities in future.

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the measure that will solve the problem is the introduction of the Student Loan and Scholarship Scheme. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Miyanda (Mapatizya): Mr Speaker, the Student Loan and Scholarship Scheme has already proved to be a failure in countries like Zimbabwe because after graduating from the university, there is no guarantee that the students will get employment. Considering the poor loan repayment culture in this country, how does the Government intend to ensure the repayment of the monies, when most of the students who will graduate from the universities will be unemployed for the next ten years? Hon. Minister, how sure are you that the Student Loan and Scholarship Scheme will work in Zambia? 

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament is pessimistic. I do not know why people are so pessimistic about this. When we, on the right, compare ourselves with Zimbabwe, our colleagues on the left say that we should not do that, but there is the hon. Member comparing our situation with that of Zimbabwe. I think we must be fair to ourselves. Here, in Zambia, our currency is K11 to US$1 but, Zimbabwe is not using its currency. This shows that our President and this Government are doing very well. Therefore, people must appreciate this. 

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Dr Kaingu: Sir, when we say that here, in Zambia, we have enough maize while in Zimbabwe people are hungry, people must appreciate that. We are convinced that this Government will come up with a strong board that will manage the Student Loan and Scholarship Scheme. Whether it is going to fail or succeed, is neither here nor there. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, I listened to the hon. Minister carefully. He said that the date to reopen the two universities was decided upon because of the many letters of appeal from the community and students. 

Hon. Minister, I am aware that you are particular about the amended 2013 Higher Education Act, which specifically states that the Minister has powers to close a university due to disorder for a specific period which you made no reference to. 

May I know whether you are following a specific time frame or are simply reopening the universities because of the many letters of appeal, and that you will continue to close institutions of higher learning, hence abrogating the law which states that you can only close them for a specified period. 

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I am very grateful to the hon. Member. It was probably his point of order that gave me the opportunity to mention the date. 

Sir, allow me also to put on record that the only learned counsel is a person who has passed through the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE). I have been corrected by my fellow arbitrator on this. 

I thank you, Sir. 
Laughter 

Mr Speaker: Maybe, to put the matter beyond doubt, hon. Minister, are you saying that the date you have announced is in response to the question that the hon. Member for Kalomo Central raised? 

Dr Kaingu: Affirmative, Sir. 

 Mr Speaker: Thank you. 

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha (Keembe): Mr Speaker, for many years since Independence, Zambia has provided education to many Zambians. 

Mr Mweetwa: On a point of order, Sir. 

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: Those of us who are here …

Mr Speaker: A point of order is raised. 

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I thank you for allowing me to rise on this important point of order emanating from the publications that are in public domain and whose sources are authentic.  

Mr Speaker, on page 1 of today’s The Post newspaper is an article under the rubric, “Supreme Court Upholds Monde’s Expulsion”. The details of the story are on page 9. 

Mr Speaker, if you will allow me, …

Mr Speaker: Continue.

Mr Mweetwa: … the story reads: 

“The Supreme Court has dismissed, with costs, Greyford Monde’s appeal against the High Court’s refusal to restrain the United Party for National Development (UPND) from expelling him as Itezhi-tezhi Member of Parliament for lack of merit.

“The UPND, on February 22, 2013, expelled Monde and informed the Speaker of the expulsion. Monde then instituted court proceedings against the UNPD and applied for an injunction which was dismissed on March 26, 2013. 

“Judge Evans Hamaundu had ruled that he could not grant Monde an injunction because he was already expelled. But Monde appealed and argued that the High Court was wrong in law when it applied its mind to the merits of the case and not the application for injunction that was before it when it refused to grant him the injunction. 

“The UPND, however, submitted that the High Court was not wrong in refusing to grant Monde the injunction he was seeking because the law maker no longer believed in the ideals of the party. 

“In a judgment delivered by the Supreme Court Bench of Justices Marvin Mwanamwambwa, Hilda Chibomba, Gregory Phiri, Muyinda Wanki, Albert Wood and Roydah Kaoma, the court dismissed Monde’s appeal with costs because it lacked merit. 

“The Supreme Court cited the case of Timothy Kafa Nyirenda v Tilyenji Kaunda who sought an injunction to restrain the United National Independence Party (UNIP) from expelling Nyirenda and notifying the Speaker of the National Assembly of the expulsion. 

“The Supreme Court stated that Judge Mwanamwambwa, who presided over the matter as Lusaka High Court Judge then, dismissed Nyirenda’s application on grounds that there was nothing to restrain because he was already expelled and the Speaker was notified. The court further stated that Nyirenda then appealed to the Supreme Court against Judge Mwanamwambwa’s decision, but the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s ruling. 

The Supreme Court stated that in its view, the two events that Monde wanted to restrain the party from doing had already happened. 

‘So, as at 26th March, 2013, there was nothing to restrain. And, as of now, there is nothing to restrain. On the principles stated above, a restrictive injunction should not be issued to restrain an event or events that have already happened,’ stated the Supreme Court.

‘For the reasons we have given above, we hereby exercise our discretion by refusing to issue a restrictive injunction. We dismiss this appeal for lack of merit. We award costs to the respondent, to be taxed in default of agreement.’”

Mr Speaker, with this article that I have just read, is this honourable House in order to allow my good friend, …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order!

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, since I am told that he is not my friend, …

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, just continue. 

Laughter 

Mr Mweetwa: Thank you, Sir. 

Mr Speaker: If he is your friend, then, he is your friend. Why do you want to forfeit the friendship or ‘unfriend’ him now?

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, is this House in order to entertain the presence of strangers, …
Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: … who are sitting where hon. Members of Parliament are supposed to sit? In this case, is my good friend, Hon. Monde, in order to come to this House and occupy a seat when a judgment, which is not in his favour, in terms of his being a Member of this august House, is reported to have been issued against him? 

I need your serious ruling, Sir.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: The ruling will be rendered immediately. 

Hon. Member for Choma Central, you have referred to a newspaper as your source of information.

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: My source is the court ruling. I took the trouble of securing a copy of the same ruling you are referring to. For avoidance of doubt, it is Appeal No. 98 of 2013, ACZ 8/99, 2013, dated 16th February, 2016. I can confirm that the quorum that you have outlined is the one that heard that particular matter. I will not read the whole ruling or judgment, as it were, because it is seventeen pages long and we do not have the luxury of time to go through it. However, I will look at the highlights. 

First and foremost, like any other Supreme Court Judgment, the judgment that you are referring to begins with the history of the matter. The history of the matter, if you wish to consult further, is on page 3 of the judgment that reads: 

“As you know, this was an action between Greyford Monde, may his soul rest in peace, and Winston Chibwe who, then, was sued by Hon. Greyford Monde in his capacity as Secretary-General of the United Party for UPND.” 

In passing the ruling you have referred to, the Supreme Court set a history. This is what it said on page 3 of the ruling on 25th February, 2013 when Hon. Monde sought the following reliefs before the charge you mentioned, which I will quote for the record and the Hansard:

“(a) An order that the expulsion of the appellant now in the Supreme Court, Hon. Monde, from the United Party for National Development by the respondent, your secretary-general, was irregular, and hence null and void.” 

That was the first relief.

“(b) An order that the Republican President is by law entitled to appoint Ministers and Deputy Ministers from amongst Members of Parliament without consulting any person and/or institution.

“ (c) An order of injunction – this is where this press account that you are referring to emanates – ...

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: “... restraining the respondent from expelling the appellant, Hon. Monde, from the UPND, notifying the Speaker of the National Assembly of the expulsion of the appellant and asking the Speaker to nullify the Itezhi-tezhi Parliamentary seat until the final determination of this cause.

I will repeat that ...

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: “... until the final determination of this cause. 

“(d) Costs. 

“(e) any other relief the court may deem fit.”

This is the action commenced in the High Court.

Whilst that action was pending, this application was made simultaneously for an interim injunction. That is the subject matter of your press account.

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: Again, I will not go into what the Supreme Court said. However, on Page J5, they referred to the decision which was made by the High Court Judge. Again, for avoidance of doubt and to authenticate my ruling, I will quote the Supreme Court, referring to the Trial Judge in the High Court on Page J5:

“For this reason, the Trial Judge stated that he was disinclined to grant an injunction to a person whose only object was to maintain a parliamentary seat on the ticket of a party whose ideals he has ceased to espouse. Consequently, the court below – referring to the High Court – exercised its discretion not to grant the injunction. Aggrieved by the ruling of the court below, the appellant has come to us in the Supreme Court with the following three grounds of appeal: 

I will not go into the grounds of appeal, as it is not necessary to do so. However, as you have rightly stated, using your source, page J16 in the same column states:

“In our view, the two events that the appellant wants to restrain have already happened.” 

Your source is correct by saying: 

“So, as at 26th March, 2013, there was nothing to restrain and as of now, there is nothing to restrain. On the principles stayed above, a restrictive injunction should not be issued to restrain an event or events that have already happened.”

For the sake of completeness, I will go to the end of the ruling that states:

“For the reasons we have given above – this is the Supreme Court – we are hereby exercising our discretion by refusing to issue a restrictive injunction – as your source correctly stated. We dismiss this appeal for lack of merit. We award costs to the respondents to be taxed in default of agreement.” Again, your source is correct.

This ruling, Hon. Member for Choma Central, ...

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: ... relates to a ruling which was made by the Trial Judge in the first place. Hon. Monde was dissatisfied and he appealed against that ruling to the Supreme Court. The ruling is on an interlocutory matter. Hon. Member for Choma Central, interlocutory means ...

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: ... a matter between commencement and the main action. What is a main action, Hon. Member for Choma Central?

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: Let us go back. The main issue here, hon. Members, is in part (a) of the reliefs which is an order that the expulsion of the appellant from the UPND by the respondent was irregular, hence null and void. In very simple terms and language, the main issue has not been determined to date.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: It is pending before the High Court. 

Interruptions 

Mr Speaker: Now, let me go back to the Constitution, which is Act No. 2 of 2016 and which we enacted. Again, for the sake of the Hansard, this Act was assented to on 5th January, 2016. I will go to Article 72 because that is the relevant Article that informs this matter. Article 72(1) reads:

“A Member of Parliament shall, except the Speaker and First Deputy Speaker, vacate the seat in the National Assembly upon dissolution of Parliament.”

However, that is not the issue. The issue is in paragraph (e) which says: 

“The office of Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the Member is expelled from the political party which sponsored the Member for election to the National Assembly.” 

The matter does not rest there. We must go further to Sub 5 of Article 72 which says:

“Where a Member of Parliament is expelled ... 

Let me repeat this.

“Where a Member of Parliament is expelled as provided in Clause (2)(e) – the one I have just read – the Member shall not lose the seat until the expulsion is confirmed by a court, except where a Member does not challenge the expulsion in court and the period prescribed for the challenge lapses, the Member shall vacate the seat in the National Assembly.”

We have not yet passed law prescribing the period ...

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: ... but, this expulsion, as I have pointed out in the history laid out by the Supreme Court, has not yet been determined on merit. 

The merit here, which the Supreme Court is referring to, is in relation to an interlocutory ruling which is an injunction. The hon. Member has lost that interlocutory appeal where he sought to restrain the UPND. That is what he lost.  

Currently, hon. Member, he is protected by Article 72(e)(5), for avoidance of doubt, …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: … until the High Court determines this matter in a trial. If either party is satisfied with the outcome of the High Court, it will have the liberty to go to the Supreme Court.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Only when and after the matter is disposed of, in whatever manner, whether at High Court or Supreme Court level, shall we receive guidance from the courts of law. Therefore, to an uninformed reader, reading in The Post, Edition No. 70 of 82, dated 9th March, 2016, titled, “Supreme Court Upholds Monde’s Expulsion”, he/she might think that Hon. Monde has been expelled and the Supreme Court has upheld the expulsion. That is misleading, unfortunately.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: That is my ruling. To summarise, the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Monde, is rightfully and properly in this House. To use your words, he is not a stranger.

I end my ruling.
Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, before I was interrupted by the point of order, I was talking about the punitive measures that have been taken against the students at the two public universities. The taxpayers paid for the education of many of us here, including the hon. Minister. Does the hon. Minister not think that the punitive measures that he has announced are a recipe for chaos and confusion in the nation?

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, I do not think so.

I thank you, Sir.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, I listened carefully to the hon. Minister’s statement, particularly with reference to the meal allowance which will be discontinued. He stated that Mulungushi and Mukuba universities have set a precedent with regard to the non-payment of the meal allowance.

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, on the left and right!

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, is the hon. Minister revisiting his statement that he was being blamed for the closure of the two universities when he was not the father of the students? Is he revisiting his earlier statement because he has realised that the meal allowance could be one of the contributing factors to the closure of the universities and, as a caring father of the students, has now informed the House and the nation that the universities will be reopened? 

Dr Kaingu: Mr Speaker, nowadays, there is a tendency, among the newspapers, of being irrational. My statement, for the sake of the hon. Member of Parliament for Mumbwa, was not put into perspective. I said that the students have parents who should help the Government to counsel them against rioting and concentrate on their studies. They are not my responsibility alone. Now that the hon. Member has put this into perspective, I, the father of the students, want to make an appeal to them to focus on their studies and not engage in politics or riotous behaviour as the universities are reopened. 

Mr Speaker, I would also like to mention to the hon. Member for Chipata Central that the issue of mitigation will be looked into. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: I am sure you will agree with me that we have spent a great deal of time on this subject. So, we can now move on. 

I have also permitted the hon. Minister of Livestock and Fisheries to issue a ministerial statement.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

EXPORT OF MEAT 

The Minister of Livestock and Fisheries (Mr Monde): Mr Speaker, now that I am not a stranger in this House, I wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to make a ministerial statement.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: You have not been a stranger.

Laughter

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, I also want to thank my good friend, Hon. Mweetwa, for that point of order. 

Mr Masumba: He is not your friend!

Laughter

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank you for according me the opportunity to deliver a statement on a topical issue, regarding efforts being made and results achieved in Zambia with regard to the export of meat to the rest of the world. 

Mr Speaker, let me start by assuring this august House and the nation that the Government is keen to ensure that the livestock sector achieves its full potential and becomes one of the drivers of sustainable economic growth. This has been demonstrated by the creation of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, in his Official Opening Speech for the 5th Session of the Eleventh National Assembly on 18th September, 2015. 

Sir, the goal of the ministry is to provide an enabling environment for sustainable increase in the production and productivity …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, on the left and right!

Mr Monde: … of high quality marketable fisheries and livestock products in its quest to make Zambia a net importer of red and white meat. Red meat includes meat from cattle, goat and sheep while white meat includes meat from poultry, pig and fish.
 
Mr Speaker, soon after being formed, my ministry embarked on the development of the National Fisheries and Livestock Development Policy, with an accompanying strategic plan, as a matter of urgency, to focus on increased production and diversification, and effort-oriented policy shift.

Sir, I must hasten to mention that this policy shift requires identification of livestock value chains and critical areas of intervention and investment. It also requires that land for livestock expansion is identified and made available to both local and international investors. The priority for the ministry with regard to meat production and productivity is twofold, namely:

(a)    increasing the per capita meat consumption from the current 13 kg per kg of meat per annum to the regional average of 30 kg per capita per annum; and

(b)    promoting the exports of livestock products through cost-effective and sustainable methods.

Mr Speaker, exports of beef products through formal trade channels are limited. For instance, beef exports for 2015 stood at 157 metric tonnes and those for wet blue, also known as processed hides, were at 2,535 metric tonnes. This is because most of the beef is consumed locally due to low production and productivity, and corresponding high domestic demand. The retail price of beef in Zambia is one of the highest in the region, while the producer price for the farmer is the lowest. The average price of cattle is about K10 to K13 per kg, while that for beef is about K60 per kg. 

Sir, to address the imbalance that has perpetuated the malnutrition levels as a result of the prices of beef that are unaffordable to the average Zambian, coupled with the corresponding low incomes among peasant farmers who own 80 per cent of the cattle, the ministry is creating market centres and market access for livestock farmers in production areas previously affected by cattle diseases. 

The ministry is putting in place the following measures in order to create a favourable environment for both traditional farmers and meat processors for them to increase production and productivity, and beef processing:

(a)    establishing artificial insemination centres in all the provinces;

(b)    increasing fodder and improving pasture management;

(c)    establishing livestock breeding centres; and

(d)    increasing livestock extension service delivery through the establishment of livestock service centres.

Mr Speaker, relative to over 40 per cent pasture land that Zambia has, the country has a comparatively small cattle population of about 4.2 million head while countries like Zimbabwe have 5.6 million, Tanzania 22 million and Kenya 13 million head. In order for Zambia to sustain the export market and make it cost effective, cattle numbers must increase to, at least, 7 million head. The current cattle population is well below the country’s potential and carrying capacity of 13 million head. 

Mr Speaker, allow me now to highlight some key efforts being made and results achieved regarding Zambia’s exports of meat to the rest of the world.

Sir, the ministry has reached an advanced stage in the preparation of a comprehensive livestock census. The census instruments have been developed and the ministry is in the process of mobilising resources. The final livestock census budget figure will be made available to this august House as soon as consultations have been concluded. The census was planned to take place mid this year. However, considering the main issues to be resolved, the ministry is realistically looking at 2017.

Sir, the ministry has a strategy to promote the export of beef from the central part of the country. The strategy entails the following:

(a)    conducting an annual vaccination exercise against diseases of national economic importance such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), contagious bovine pleurol pneumonia (CBPP) and east coast fever (ECF);

(b)    promoting the identification of each animal and trace back system to individual farms and farmers; and

(c)    improving diagnostic services so that diseases can be identified quickly by the construction of more than six regional laboratories on the Copperbelt and in the Eastern, Northern, Southern, North-Western and Western provinces. In addition, the ministry has plans to set up a biosecurity level three (P3) laboratory at the Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) in order to improve the diagnostic capacity and production of vaccines.

Sir, the cost of fencing in order to separate the disease-free areas from the infected areas has remained the main challenge of the Disease-Free Zone Concept. Fencing is an international requirement, especially in Zambia where there are wild buffaloes that harbour some of the diseases such as FMD.

Mr Speaker, the ministry is now considering certifying individual farms and feedlots through a new standard called compartmentalisation as opposed to geographical freedom (disease-free zones approach). If accepted by trading partners, the new international guideline may speed up the process of beef exports.

Sir, to prevent the spread of the ECF, the ministry intends to construct 224 new dip tanks and rehabilitate 297, bringing the total to 521. So far, 153 dip tanks have been completed, 105 rehabilitated and forty-eighty new ones are under construction. Two hundred and forty-eight contracts that have been awarded for the construction of 100 new dip tanks and rehabilitation of 184. Contracts for the remaining eight-four dip tanks are in the process of being awarded. In addition, the ministry has plans to construct an additional sixty dip tanks in 2016 due to increased demand.

Mr Speaker, the ministry has plans to vaccinate 1,600,000 head of cattle against the FMD in 2016, compared to 1,121,386 in 2015. The increase in the number of cattle to be vaccinated is due to the recent outbreak of the FMD in the Western Province. The ministry also has plans to vaccinate about 500,000 cattle against the CBPP in the North-Western and Western provinces, compared to 450,000 in 2015. In addition, there are plans to immunise 80,000 calves against the ECF in the Eastern and Southern provinces in 2016 compared to 71,860 in 2015.

 Sir, as result of the above measures, incidences of the ECF and the CBPP have remained low at 3 per cent and 2.3 per cent respectively. In addition, the ministry has plans to vaccinate 6 million traditional chickens against New Castle disease in 2016 compared to 3.5 million in 2015.
Mr Speaker, the ministry has continued to produce vaccines at the CVRI. Currently, 6,060 doses of blackleg vaccines, 380,000 doses of haemorrhagic septicaemia vaccines, 500,000 doses of rabies vaccines, 200,000 doses of anthrax and 30 million doses of New Castle vaccines are produced annually by the CVRI. 

Sir, about 80 per cent of the total cattle population in the traditional sector is characterised by production inefficiency and low offtake. To address this, the ministry is scaling up and strengthening extension services to enable farmers to adopt better livestock management practices in order to improve the offtake and achieve the agricultural diversification strategy. The Government will rehabilitate a total of eighty camp houses countrywide and has procured 313 motor bikes, which I handed over on 3rd March, 2016, and 125 extension kits meant to equip extension staff.

Mr Speaker, the ministry plans to clear about 5,000 km² of tsetse-infested areas, especially in the eastern region, through aerial spraying in order to open up rural areas for livestock expansion. The Government will use tsetse-target methods in other infected areas.

Sir, under livestock development, the ministry will continue to develop infrastructure that supports the development of the livestock subsector. In this vein, the ministry will continue with the development of the livestock breeding centres. So far, sixteen breeding centres have been established. I am happy to report to this august House that four of the breeding centres, namely Kanyama in Mwinilunga, Kanchindu in Sinazongwe, Mbesuma in Chinsali and Mukulaikwa in Shibuyunji are now ready to supply breeding stock to farmers and modalities have been finalised. In fact, advertisements have also been made to that effect. Further, the ministry in collaboration with its co-operating partners has, so far, established fifty-eight milk-collection centres, 152 livestock-service centres and seventeen satellite-artificial insemination centres throughout the country.

Mr Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to emphasise that the key strategic areas of focus for the ministry are the completion of capital projects that were embarked on in 2015 and on building on the current successes. Furthermore, the Government will provide a conducive policy environment that will promote the active participation of the private sector, traditional leaders, communities and farmer groups in enhancing livestock production and productivity value chains.

Sir, with all the above-mentioned measures, it is projected that the 7 million cattle production threshold will be achieved in the next five years or in 2021. Within three years, the country will be able to meet the standards that will allow the export of beef and its products to regional markets.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the statement just given by the hon. Minister of Livestock and Fisheries.

Mr Simuusa (Nchanga): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for that progressive statement. There was an outcry from beef farmers that beef imports into Zambia were depressing the local prices. In short, the price of the beef that was exported into Zambia was cheaper than that for the locally-produced beef. In view of the fact that the Government wants to enhance the export of beef to the outside regions, how competitive will the locally-produced beef be for export when its price is higher than that for the imported beef?

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the former Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Simuusa, for that question. I was his Deputy.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member’s concern has been addressed in my statement that the average live weight price for beef is in the range of K10 to K13 per kg compared to the retail price for beef. This is not a good position. As a ministry, we have engaged farmers and producers to work on the imbalance. If the retail price for beef is K10 per kg, surely, consumers must benefit from the price of beef sold in the outlets. Imported beef is usually cheaper than locally-produced beef. So, we intend to address such curtails in order to pass on the benefit to the consumers in the country because essentially, locally-produced beef should be cheaper than imported beef. We feel that is not a good position. As such, we are engaging all stakeholders to ensure that there is no imbalance in beef prices. If there is an imbalance, it means our people are being deprived and might suffer from malnutrition as a result of not consuming beef products.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mulomba (Magoye): Mr Speaker, it is a well-known fact that I represent a rural constituency. In rural areas, the agriculture extension officers do not live in camps due to a lack of accommodation. The hon. Minister stated that the Government intends to rehabilitate eighty houses for agriculture extension officers. What is the breakdown of the houses, province by province, and district by district? Also, how many will be rehabilitated in Mazabuka, particularly Magoye?

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, if you have that information, please, respond.

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, obviously, I do not have the information. However, the veterinary camps occupied by extension officers are not in a good state. It is for this reason that on 3rd March, 2016, we provided them with 312 motorbikes. With regard to the breakdown of the eighty houses, I am unable to provide that information at the moment. However, I am sure it can be availed by the ministry except that it would be a long list.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Mweetwa rose.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member for Choma Central, you have caught my eye. I will give you an opportunity to take the Floor later.

Laughter

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister indicated that a Livestock and Fisheries Policy was developed when His Excellency the President created the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. Seven weeks ago, that policy was still in draft form. How are the measures that the hon. Minister outlined that are aimed at improving the livestock sector in the absence of the Livestock and Fisheries Policy going to be implemented?

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, we are working with our sister ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. So, you can see that we are not working in a vacuum. You will recall that some of the roles of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries were initially for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. So, we are only continuing with what was started previously. If you look at the current policy, you will see that it was supposed to expire in 2016. So, we are in the process of formulating a new one. That said, I would like to inform this august House that the Government has put in place an Agricultural Sectoral Policy which covers fisheries, livestock and veterinary. However, outside this policy, the ministry has the mandate to put together the Fisheries and Livestock Policy. We are almost done with this process, as we are at the stage of consultations. So, the policy will soon be available.

I thank you, Sir.

Prof. Lungwangwa (Nalikwanda): Mr Speaker, producer prices, ranging between K10 and K13 per kg and retail prices of K60 per kg mean that those who are trading in beef are making profits in the range of 460 and 600 per cent. That is, indeed, a lot of profit being made at the expense of the producers. This is a disincentive to those who are engaged in beef production.

Sir, the hon. Minister has said that the Government is engaging the retailers. Could he tell us what strategies the Government is putting in place to ensure that producer prices are reasonable and that they become an incentive to engage in cattle development. 

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, I agree with that position. This is one of the challenges that the ministry is faced with. I do not want to pre-empt what we intend to do about all the people in the value chain, from the farmer to the retailer. However, as stated by Hon. Simuusa, when the Government says it is opening the country’s borders to flood the market with beef and livestock produce, those at the end of the value chain always complain. So, as the Government, we can only go so far. If we do not solve the problems being faced, we may just consider opening up our borders, but that should be the last resort. Indeed, we are not glad that beef is being sold at between K10 and K60 per kg. In certain areas, it actually costs more than K60 per kg. That is not a good position and we intend to change it.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Konga (Chavuma): Mr Speaker, I would like to commend the hon. Minister for that statement. However, I would like to bring to his attention the fact that in 2000, Chavuma was invaded by some people from neighbouring Angola who took away head of cattle. Subsequently, people have been moving their cattle from Kalabo and Lukulu into Angola. As a result, the foot and mouth disease (FMD), which is prevalent in that area, has not been brought under control. Does the Government intend to put back the cordon line, which stretches from Chavuma to Kalabo up to Livingstone, to prevent the spread of the disease from Angola?
Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, when business was suspended, I was saying that it is true that there used to be a cordon line, running from Mwinilunga in the North-Western Province to Kazungula. The cordon line is no longer in existence, as it was vandalised. I must mention that with the absence of the cordon line, it is true that the cross-border movement of animals has really affected areas where the animals are coming from, especially neighbouring countries with no strict adherence to animal husbandry and disease control.

Mr Speaker, I can also confirm that we have since started engaging our neighbouring countries to look at measures to control diseases from their places of origin. In this vein, we have already had one meeting with our counterparts from Angola and Namibia on animal disease mitigation. The infection of animals in certain areas due to trans-border animal movements is a sad development. However, the Government is putting in place measures to ensure that we retain the cordon line from Mwinilunga to Kazungula.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I am thankful for having caught your eye.

Mr Speaker: Yes, you did.

Laughter 

Mr Mweetwa: I am also thankful to you for allowing me to pose a question to Mr Monde.

Mr Speaker: Order!

You are supposed to refer to him as Hon. Monde. That is how we address each other in the House. So, you address him as Hon. Monde or the hon. Minister, just like you are the hon. Member for Choma Central. Those are the acceptable addresses.

Mr Mweetwa: Sir, I thank you for your guidance. I would like Mr Monde to …

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: No, no. He is not just Mr Monde, but the hon. Minister or Hon. Monde.

Mr Mweetwa: I thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like the hon. Minister, …

Mr Speaker: Yes, please.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: … Mr Monde, to …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Choma Central, please, let us not have unnecessary controversies. There is no need for that and I am not inclined to guide you on such a simple matter. That is the hon. Minister or Hon. Monde and this applies to everybody else in this House. You, too, are referred to as Hon. Mweetwa or hon. Member for Choma Central. Those are the rules. You cannot take that away from him.

Mr Kambwili: Naka nwamo.

Interruptions

Mr Mweetwa: I thank you, Sir, for your guidance. I always appreciate your guidance because, as you know, you are my former lecturer and are still teaching me.

Laughter

Mr Mweetwa: Sir, allow me to pose a question to the hon. Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Mr Monde. In his statement, he mentioned that the Government wants to encourage the exportation of beef from the central part of this country. What exactly did he mean by this statement, especially that the largest herds of cattle are actually not in the central part of the country? What is the motivation for this? 

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, in my statement, I mentioned that the Government is looking at possibilities of putting up disease-free zones. According to our mapping, it is ideal for the disease-free zones to be located in the central part of the country. Suffice it to say that this does not entail that this is the political boundary of the Central Province. Some zones may fall in the Southern and Eastern provinces. The objective is just to make sure that the zones are not in contact with diseases from the borders, especially borders where we do not have cordon lines. So, that is the purpose of having such a location.

Mr Speaker, I also mentioned, in my statement, that it would be an expensive or difficult undertaking to try to set up disease-free zones in certain areas. For us to meet the export figures that I mentioned earlier in the soonest possible time, we are trying to get to a point where regional groupings of farmers are going to adhere to international standards in order for their meat to be certified for export. The regional groupings that we are talking about will not necessarily be based on provincial political boundaries. Disease-free zones are going to give comfort to our partners. 

Mr Speaker, I hope that I have answered Mweetwa. I thank you, Sir.

Interruptions

Laughter

Mr Speaker: Hon. Minister, please, I already guided your colleague on addressing each other in that manner. He is Hon. Mweetwa or hon. Member for Choma Central. That is a very simple thing to do.

Mr Mweetwa pointed at Mr Monde.

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, I hope that the hon. Member for Choma Central, Hon. Mweetwa, who wants to see me outside, has gotten my response.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Very well, but I have no jurisdiction over what happens outside.

Laughter

Mr Katambo (Masaiti): Mr Speaker, how far has the ministry gone in establishing the disease-free zones in order to enable Zambia to produce and export high quality beef to European markets and invariably increase Government revenue?

Mr Speaker: I thought the hon. Minister addressed that in his statement. Nonetheless, hon. Minister, for avoidance of doubt, you could repeat what you said.

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, the creation of disease-free zones is one of the measures that the ministry is putting in place to encourage beef exports. This is work in progress. As soon as the programme is complete, we should be able to put in place guidelines on which areas not to allow certain animals to go to. 

I thank you, Sir.

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, are there going to be specific centres for the production of export-quality beef like Botswana has done in Lobatse? If so, are the centres going to be Government or private-sector driven?

Mr Monde: Mr Speaker, getting to a level of comfortably exporting beef requires both private and public-sector engagement. The Government is trying to learn from Botswana. However, even Botswana has some red-zone areas where beef is not allowed to be exported to certain places such as the European market. We are also trying to make sure that we create disease-free zones from where certified beef will be exported. We shall not allow animals or beef to move out of areas where there are still diseases.

I thank you, Sir.

KAZUNGULA BRIDGE PROJECT

The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, I wish to thank you most sincerely for granting me the opportunity to make a ministerial statement on the progress made in the construction of the Kazungula Bridge in the Southern Province. The Kazungula Bridge Project lies on the north-south transport corridor and is a vital trade route that will serve major trade-reliant economies in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including the project-implementing countries of Zambia and Botswana. The primary objective of the project is to significantly reduce transit times at the Kazungula Border, thus mitigating border uncertainties associated with high transport and trade costs. 

Mr Speaker, the project thus aims at providing vital transport infrastructure on the corridor through the construction of the main bridge at Kazungula which is to be complemented with a one-stop border post. These facilities will:

(a)    facilitate easy access for intra and inter-regional trade;
 
(b)    facilitate easy access to international markets through connectivity with major sea ports;

(c)    contribute to maximising the operational efficiency of the corridor; and
 
(d)    promote social and economic integration of the two countries and the SADC Region. 

The implementation of the Kazungula Bridge Project is divided into three contract packages, namely:

(a)    Package I: Bridge and Approach Ramps;

(b)    Package II: Botswana Side One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) Facilities and Approach Road; and

(c)    Package III: Zambian Side OSBP Facilities and Approach Road.

Mr Speaker, Package I of the project has commenced, following the signing of the works contract with Messrs Daewoo Engineering and Construction Limited of South Korea with the two Governments of Zambia and Botswana on 5th September, 2014. The contract sum of the project was pegged at US$161,961,304.84, with an execution period of four years. The contract package involves the construction of a 923 m x 18.5 m curved, pre-stressed concrete box girder, with an extra dosed main bridge, including approach roads. The bridge is meant to accommodate the passage of both road and railway traffic. The project progress stands at 10.7 per cent.

Mr Speaker, the contractor is currently finalising the various components of site establishment and is undertaking works on temporally and permanent bridges. This component has been financed by the Republics of Zambia and Botswana on a 50/50 basis.

Mr Speaker, the contract for the OSBP on the Botswana side was awarded to Messrs Zhong Gan Engineering and Construction at a contract sum of US$48,901,808.37. The contract was signed on 7th December, 2015 with a duration of thirty months. The project is expected to commence in March, 2016. This component has been financed by a Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) loan.

Mr Speaker, the procurement process for Package III, which involves the construction of OSBP facilities on the Zambian side, is at its final stage. A no-objection to the Bid of Evaluation Report and Recommendation for the award of a contract to that effect is being awaited from the African Development Bank (ADB) which is the financier of the works. It is envisaged that works on this contract package will commence in March, 2016, with a duration of thirty months.

Mr Speaker, the works on the bridge and the associated OSBP facilities, namely packages I, II and III, are being supervised by the Kazungula Bridge Project Joint Venture, comprising six consultancy firms, namely Nippon Koei, Chodai Company Limited, Consulting Engineers, Arcus GIBB Engineering and Architecture, Bothaka Burrow Engineering Solution, CPP Botswana Limited and Zulu Burrow Development Consultants at a contract sum of US$16,670,360.00. The supervision services are financed by JICA. 

Mr Speaker, the project also includes technical assistance and capacity building components and feasibility, and detailed designs of the National Transport Master Plan and Railway Spurs in Zambia, which are financed by the ADB. The project also includes the procurement of equipment for the OSBP financed by JICA and the two member States. The project further includes the resettlement of the community of Lumbo Village which is financed by ADB and the Government of the Republic of Zambia. So far, forty-one houses have been handed over.

In conclusion, Mr Speaker, as earlier mentioned, when completed, the construction of the Kazungula Bridge and associated OSBP has the potential to promote trade through quicker transit times between Botswana and Zambia. This, in turn, will spur economic development in the two countries and contribute to the overall economic wellbeing of the SADC community through the anticipated inter and intra regional trade.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the statement given by the hon. Minister of Works and Supply.

Mr Ntundu (Gwembe): Mr Speaker, I think this is the fourth ministerial statement given by the hon. Minister of Works and Supply on the Kazungula Bridge. In all the statements, I have not heard why the project is only between the Zambian and Botswana governments when the hon. Minister knows quite well that if you go to the other side of the border, you will find that most of the trucks that are waiting to use the pontoon are from Zimbabwe. This is because Zimbabwean toll fees are higher than those in Zambia and Botswana. Can the hon. Minister tell the House why the Zimbabwean Government is not involved when it will benefit more from the construction of the bridge than the two governments that are funding the project.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, in my description of the bridge, I stated that it is a 923 m x 18.5 m curved pre-stressed concrete box girder with extra dosing. What I meant is that the bridge is designed to have a curve that passes just at the border point of Botswana and Zambia. Zimbabwe has not been involved in the agreement. When it comes to the usage of the bridge, they will use it at a fee because whenever trucks pass there there, will be toll fees to be paid.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, in his response, the hon. Minister said that once this project has been completed, it is going to spur international trade which will ultimately promote economic growth in Zambia. Therefore, he attributes the bridge to be an economic bridge. That is only a bridge which is meant to facilitate the passage of vehicles across the river for their onward journeys on the main roads. Hon. Minister, when are you going to work on the Kafue/Mazabuka Road which is in such a deplorable state that even if you completed the bridge, the deplorable state of the Kafue/Mazabuka stretch, which is also a danger to the hon. Members who travel to their constituencies almost everyday, would still impede the smooth movement of goods and services. Is it because that stretch of the road is not in a Patriotic Front (PF) stronghold?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, firstly, I would like to state that it is not good for us to become political over issues of development. As far as development is concerned, the PF Government is doing everything possible to ensure equitable distribution of developmental projects across the country.

Mr Livune: Question!

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mukanga: That is why we are talking about projects such as this one. This has nothing to do with whether or not an area is a PF stronghold. We are trying to ensure that there is development in that area. In the Southern Province alone, there are many projects that are being implemented, including the Bottom Road and Kazungula Bridge. We are merely demonstrating leadership. 

Mr Speaker, the Mazabuka/Kafue Road may not be worked on now, but it will still be worked on eventually. In fact, this ministerial statement is not on the Mazabuka/Kafue Road, but the Kazungula Bridge and the progress that has been made. This is the information I am trying to give. It is a pity that the hon. Member seems to be hyper today.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: I hope that was said in jest.

Laughter

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, I also want to commend the Patriotic Front (PF) Government for continuing with the project that the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) started.

Hon. MMD Members: Hear, hear!
Mr Pande: I would like to correct the reason given for the curve. Arguments arose amongst Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe where Zimbabwe indicated that there was no border between Zambia and Botswana. So, Zambia and Botswana had to negotiate with Namibia, hence the curve.

Mr Speaker, once the bridge is completed, it will benefit Namibia and Zimbabwe. Why do we expect contributions from them for the use of the bridge?

Mr Speaker: The hon. Minister responded to that. However, maybe, you missed it.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I said that those who have not been part of the agreement will still contribute in terms of toll fees when they use the bridge.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I did not get the hon. Minister clearly concerning the time frame in which the project will be completed and handed over. Further, what is the life span of the bridge?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, I stated that the time frame for the completion of the project is four years, from 2014. I cannot give you the life span of the bridge unless I look at the design. However, I believe that the standard of such an engineering piece of work is thirty to forty years.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, currently, there is a problem between the workers on the Zambian side and those on the Botswana side because of the difference in emoluments. If this is a 50/50 project, why should there be a difference in emoluments? It appears that workers on the Botswana side are getting more money than the people on the Zambian side. Could the hon. Minister explain that situation.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, it is difficult for me to substantiate what the hon. Member is saying. However, I could state that those are some of the issues that are being looked at following a complaint.  

As regards labour, we have on site a workforce of 476, broken down into 416 male, forty female. Of these, 237 are Zambians, 168 are Tswanas and seventy-one are expatriates. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mooya (Moomba): Mr Speaker, this is a dream come true because this project has been on the drawing board since 1964. However, my question as regards the curved part of the bridge has been answered.

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, it was earlier agreed that houses would be built for people who live around the area where the bridge would pass and where the one-stop border would be constructed. I would like to find out whether or not the houses have been built.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, in my statement, I mentioned that the project has some resettlement component and that the community of Luumbu Village was going to be resettled after thirty-eight houses were built and handed over. So, resettlement has taken place. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, the hon. Member for Gwembe referred to the fact that Zimbabwean truck drivers avoid using the Victoria Falls Bridge because of the exorbitant toll fees. So, they would rather use the Kazungula crossing point. According to the hon. Minister’s response, this will be resolved by charging toll fees for the use of the bridge. Will the toll fees that the Zimbabweans are going to pay for using the bridge be comparable.

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, it is too early for us to state the actual fees because there will be a lot of changes in the economy. We shall look into that at the appropriate time.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, one hon. Member talked about the reason for the curving of the bridge. We are aware that constructing the bridge in such a way that part of it is on Zimbabwean land would have been the shortest route. However, Zimbabwe would have wanted a share of the revenue generated from the use of the bridge even if it did not contribute anything towards its construction. May I know whether you will not get a similar demand from Namibia after someone wakes up and realises that there is money. How safe are we from possible demands from Namibia for a portion of the money that will be generated from the use of the bridge?

Mr Mukanga: Mr Speaker, those are speculations. We should deal with facts. When we get to that point, we have capable hon. Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and Commerce, Trade and Industry who can discuss those issues. I do not think that we will allow a situation where somebody has not contributed anything, but still wants to get something out of it. We do not expect anyone to come and reap where he/she did not sow.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

________

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

MUNGWI ROAD IN LUSAKA

354. Dr Musokotwane (Liuwa) asked the Minister of Works and Supply: 

(a)    whether the Government was aware that the following stretches on Mungwi Road in Lusaka District were in a deplorable condition:

(i)     Barlow World Limited /Builders Brigade Turn Off;

(ii)     Builders Brigade Turn Off /Apollo Camp; and

(iii)    Apollo Turn Off /Mwembeshi Earth Satellite Station;

(b)    if so, when rehabilitation works would commence; and 

(c)    whether the Government had any plans to fully rehabilitate Mungwi Road and to expand it to a dual carriageway.

The Deputy Minister of Works and Supply (Dr Mwali): Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the poor condition of the named sections of Mungwi Road. 

Sir, the Government is considering including works to rehabilitate the stretch of Mungwi Road from Builders Brigade Turn Off to Apollo Camp and from Apollo Turn Off to Mwembeshi Earth Satellite Station as an addendum under the L400 Road Project. The road section from Barlow World Limited to Builders Brigade Turn Off will be worked on under Phase II of the L400 Road Project after the finalisation of the financing agreement with Exim Bank of China.  The Government appreciates the importance of the rehabilitation of this road, as it provides an alternative route connecting to M009 Road, which is the Lusaka/Mumbwa Road, thus serving the various industries and farming community settled along the road. 

Mr Speaker, the Government, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has plans to rehabilitate Mungwi Road from Barlow World Limited to Builders Brigade to a dual carriageway. This will commence when the financing agreement with Exim Bank of China has been finalised. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Speaker, most of the stones for building and fuel which come into Lusaka pass through that road. All the Coca-Cola and the beer, including the beer that is drank here ...

Hon. Opposition Members: Where? 

Dr Musokotwane: ... at the Parliament Bar, passes through that road. That being the case, this road is affected by the heavy weight of trucks that drive on it all the time. Can the hon. Minister assure us that the design of the road will take into account the heavy traffic on the road. Can he also assure us that after the reconstruction, the road will not be ‘torn into pieces’ because of the heavy weight of ...

Mr Muntanga: Beer.

 Dr Musokotwane: ... beer, as Hon. Muntanga is forcing me to say?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, let me agree with the concerns of Hon. Dr Musokotwane who is my neighbour because we both live on this road. Yes, we are aware of the heavy traffic on this road. This road is going to cater for members of the armed forces who have put up more than 2,000 housing units along that road. We are taking into account the pressure that will be put on it. Therefore, the designs are being worked on in such a way that the road will be able to withstand the pressure from various motor vehicles and last the normal life span. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo (Mumbwa): Mr Speaker, one of the contributing factors to our roads not lasting long is the lack of drainages. I have noticed that our compatriots are building houses and blocking what used to be the natural flow of water. What measures is the hon. Minister putting in place to ensure that drainages are taken into account in any construction projects so that whatever road and however good it is live the life span that is expected?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, I agree with the hon. Member of Parliament for Mumbwa that the drainage system is very important in the life span of our roads. The new roads that we are constructing include three-year contracts for routine maintenance. We are going to engage contractors on a permanent basis who will ensure that the drainages and other facilities are not tampered with.  

I thank you, Sir. 

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha (Keembe): Mr Speaker, the amount of traffic on that road is quite a nightmare. So, I thank the hon. Minister for mentioning that something is being done about it. There is heavy traffic of trucks of fuel and beer via that road. We are going to make sure that there is heavy traffic of trucks ferrying Bibles there as well. Would the hon. Minister care to tell us whether traffic lights will be put up between Mungwi Road and Mumbwa Road so that there are no accidents resulting from conflicts between trucks of Bibles and trucks of beer?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, as a Christian country, we attach great importance to Bibles. So, we shall definitely ensure that there will be no conflict between Bibles and beer. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Pande (Kasempa): Mr Speaker, I did not hear the hon. Minister indicate exactly when the rehabilitation of Mungwi Road will start. That is not my principal question, but I hope he can give me a bonus answer to that question. My question is: Just before Mungwi Road, there is Mwembeshi Road Turn Off where Dar Farms operates from. I do not know whether the hon. Minister has seen how bad that section of the road is. Are there any plans to rehabilitate that portion of the road?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, in part (b) of the Question, Hon. Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane wanted to know what we are going to do …

Mr Speaker: Order!

Please, address him as hon. Member for Liuwa. 

Dr Mwali: I thank you, Sir. 

The hon. Member of Parliament for Liuwa …

Mr Speaker: Or Hon. Musokotwane. 
Dr Mwali: Or Hon. Dr Musokotwane. 

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: You can add the “Dr”. Continue. 

Dr Mwali: Thank you for that correction, Mr Speaker. I spent a few years with Hon. Musokotwane before we met again here.

Mr Mbewe: Hon. Dr Musokotwane!

Dr Mwali: Hon. Dr Musokotwane, yes. 

Mr Speaker, the answer is under Question (a) (iii) where Hon. Dr. Musokotwane wanted to know whether we are going to work on the stretch between Apollo Turn-off and Mwembeshi Satellite Station. 

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Continue, hon. Minister.

Dr Mwali: Sir, we are going to connect to Road M009 and consider an addendum to the L400 Project. 

I thank you, Sir.  

Mr Speaker: When are you starting the rehabilitation works?

Dr Mwali: The hon. Member asked for a bonus answer. 

Laughter 

Dr Mwali: The works will start immediately the financing agreement between the contractor and the Government is finalised. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe (Mpongwe): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister said that works will commence when the financing agreement between the contractor and the Government has been agreed upon. 

From the Question, it is obvious that the roads are in a deplorable state. Are we going to wait for Exim Bank to approve their financing for the Government of the Republic of Zambia to attend to the roads or can some kilometres be deducted from the L400 Project in order to accommodate that stretch of the road which is in a deplorable state?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the arrangements are at an advanced stage. I wish to inform this House that the most important milestone, which was the no objection certificate from the Ministry of Finance, was met in December, 2015. All that remains is the financing agreement between Exim Bank of China and the other parties. This is less problematic. 

Sir, we have been assured that the process has reached an advanced stage. Moreover, not much can be done about the road at the moment because of the rainy season. However, as soon as the rainy season comes to an end, the contractor under the L400, AVIC International Holding Corporation, will move on this road as he is already on site. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mweetwa (Choma Central): Mr Speaker, I thank you for giving me yet another opportunity, on behalf of the citizens, to ask a question to the hon. Minister of Works and Supply. 

Sir, I would like to take this opportunity to remind the hon. Minister, who is usually good in his responses on the Floor of the House, that on a good day like today, when I am asking so many questions because there are matters that I am interested in, it is unfair to label me “hyper” because I am only doing the job I was elected to do. 

My question is simple. The hon. Deputy Minister stated that some of the roads that have remained in a deplorable state for a long time will be worked on. You are aware that the hon. Deputy Minister also resides in that area. Of course, this is inconsequential. 

Hon. Minister, would you be able to tell me why you would not prioritise such a road but, instead, opt to rip off the road from Arcades Roundabout to Chelston, which does not have a single pothole, and tar it again when most of the roads that require urgent attention have remained in a deplorable state, resulting in an opinion by others that you are pushing for roads to be worked on where you are being corrupted so that you can quickly get something out of it?

Hon. Government Members: Ah!

Mr Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, that is not the way to proceed. I believe you lead an organisation that deals with that subject. I do not think that it is fair to make those insinuations. I know that you are gracious. 

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I sincerely apologise to my elder brother and withdraw that statement. Hon. Minister, please, do not be angry with me. Just answer my question fairly. 

Mr Speaker: I do not expect him to be angry. 

Hon. Minister, you may proceed.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, that was a simple question. In short, all I can say is that we have prioritised the rehabilitation of roads, depending on the condition of the road. 

I thank you, Sir. 
Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, the road which leads to where Hon. Dr Musokotwane, the hon. Deputy Minister …

Mr Hamudulu: As well as the ZAF Commander!

Mr Muntanga: … and the ZAF Commander live has potholes near the Zambia Breweries Ltd that are turning into craters. As a matter of fact, one would need a boat to cross the road. Would you not consider patching up the potholes before Hon. Dr Musokotwane sinks into one of them.

Laughter 

Mr Muntanga: Would you do that because it is proving dangerous to drive on that road? 

The Minister of Works and Supply (Mr Mukanga): Mr Speaker, we know that the section of the road in question is in a deplorable state. We will send our engineers to ascertain what can be done in the interim so that the road remains passable. 

I thank you, Sir. 

DIPLOMATS’ LUNCHEON ATTENDANCE

355. Mr Namulambe asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs: 

(a)    whether the attendance by some diplomats at a luncheon at the residence of an Opposition party leader on Saturday, 20th February, 2016, was in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations; and 

(b)    what the position of the Government was on the solidarity marches to foreign embassies in Lusaka that are being promoted for various reasons by political parties in view of international etiquette.
 
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Mbulu): Mr Speaker, as affirmed in the hon. Minister’s statement of 22nd February, 2016, it is permissible for diplomats to interact with different stakeholders in their countries of accreditation in the course of exercising their duties. 

Mr Mbewe: Ah!

Mr Mbulu: In this case, the recent visit of Their Excellencies to the Opposition leader’s house was within their mandate and was in accordance with the Vienna Convention on the conduct of diplomats. 

Mr Speaker, demonstrations by political parties, including civil society organisations, are a common practice. As such, the police always exercise their judgment to grant or deny permits to any political party member or, indeed, any person intending to stage a solidarity march.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Namulambe: Mr Speaker, does the hon. Minister, as a member of the Executive, believe it is right to allow such a demonstration despite its being done within the Vienna Convention? Does he not think that we could be viewed otherwise by the international community for allowing such a demonstration? 

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, there must be adequate collaboration between the police and the demonstrators when such demonstrations are carried out.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Pande: Mr Speaker, immediately after the hon. Minister, who is my nephew, ...

Mr Speaker: I always discourage these filial references.

Mr Pande: I do not mean the hon. Deputy Minister, Sir.

Mr Speaker, after the statement was issued, another statement was made by a senior member of the Patriotic Front (PF), castigating the Americans. How did the ministry take that statement from the Ruling Party?

The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Kalaba): Mr Speaker, as the custodian of issues on international relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made its position.

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Livune (Katombola): Mr Speaker, after the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs issued his statement, some Patriotic Front (PF) cadres marched to the residence of one ambassador and what happened thereafter is in public domain. What sanctions have been taken against the people who went against the statement given by the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs?

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, as the hon. Minister has stated, we did not see any march. So, as far we are concerned, nothing happened.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: If you were aware, what would your position be?

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

Mr Mbulu: Sir, those are party issues and the party is distinct from the Executive.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I see that the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs is scared of my questions and has left the task of answering questions to his Deputy. In view of this, I forfeit my right to ask.

Laughter 

Mr Muntanga (Kalomo Central): Mr Speaker, the hon. Minister has stated that the party is separate from the Government. However, what is the hon. Minister’s take on the fact that the party, which enforces its policies, especially foreign policies on the Government, seems to be going against the good practices of diplomacy?

Mr Kalaba: Mr Speaker, issues such as these should not necessarily attract politics. I have given a categorical answer on this issue. We made a statement and what was contained in the statement is final. Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning has also elucidated that diplomats will interact with my ministry as they carry out their mandate to liaise with stakeholders in the confines of the Vienna Convention.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mbewe (Chadiza): Mr Speaker, the visit by the diplomats seems to have become a political issue. Do the diplomats have any effect on the voting pattern in Zambia?  

Mr Speaker: I do not know whether it is the same thing as asking if they vote, but I will leave that to the hon. Minister.

Mr Muntanga: The question is correct.

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, diplomats cannot influence our voting patterns because they operate autonomously.

I thank you, Sir.

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, is there a way in which the Government can sensitise our people on the need to respect the Vienna Convention?

Mr Mbulu: Mr Speaker, sensitisation comes in many ways. For instance, we are being heard as we speak here in Parliament. We shall continue using as many platforms as possible to ensure that people understand the contents of the Vienna Convention.

I thank you, Sir. 

TEACHERS’ TRAINING COLLEGES

356.    Mr Miyutu (Kalabo Central): asked the Minister of Higher Education:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to build more teachers’ training colleges;

(b)    if so, in which provinces the colleges would be built;

(c)    when the construction was expected to commence; and

(d)    if there were no such plans, why.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education (Mr Mushanga): Mr Speaker, colleges of education fall under the Ministry of General Education. By the time the question reached the ministry, the ministry had already been separated into the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of General Education. In case we do not answer this question to the hon. Member’s satisfaction, it can be directed at the Ministry of Higher Education in the future.

Mr Speaker, the Government has no immediate plans to construct new teachers’ training colleges. However, it has put in place an accelerated teachers’ training and upgrading programme called the Fast Track which will deal with science, technology and mathematics capabilities. This programme is being implemented at our public and private universities. Further, the Government is strengthening the existing teachers’ training colleges and transforming some into universities. So far, Mukuba on the Copperbelt, Chalimbana in Chongwe and Kwame Nkrumah in Kabwe have been transformed into universities. 

Sir, as stated earlier, the strategy aimed at increasing the supply of qualified teachers, especially in the areas of science, technology and mathematics, is premised on the use of the already existing universities. This is aimed at providing teacher training and upgrading programmes. In addition to strengthening the existing teachers’ training colleges, it is envisaged that this strategy will lead to increased enrolment figures that will help meet the demand for teachers without increasing costs through the creation of new institutions that will require additional management structures.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, teachers in Kalabo are made to teach Information and Communications Technology (ICT) when they are not trained in computer studies. Why can the Government not come up with a deliberate programme to train all the teachers in basic schools who are handling computer lessons and business studies? 

Mr Mushanga: Mr Speaker, that question was responded to by my colleague, the hon. Deputy Minister of General Education. There are many capacity building programmes in ICT that are going on under the Ministry of General Education. The Government, through the Ministry of General Education, is actually responding to that concern. There are already capacity building programmes in ICT. We are also responding to the Fast Track Programme that I mentioned earlier.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, thank you for allowing me to ask a Minister who always gives sober answers on the Floor of the House a question.

Laughter

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, if I heard the hon. Minister correctly, he stated that as some colleges are turned into universities, this will increase the supply of qualified teachers. What is the problem with getting the already qualified teachers who have graduated from the institutions of learning into service so that they can serve the nation, given that we have a shortage of teachers, especially in places such as Kalabo?

Mr Mushanga: Mr Speaker, it is common knowledge that in 2015, 5,000 trained teachers were recruited. This means that they were absorbed into the system. Even in 2016, the programme of recruiting new teachers will continue.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Kazabu (Nkana): Mr Speaker, for the benefit of this House and the nation at large, what is the total output of teachers from all the teachers’ training colleges on a yearly basis?

Mr Speaker: I did not get your question. Could you repeat it. 

Mr Kazabu: Mr Speaker, what is the total output of graduate teachers from all our teachers’ training colleges on a yearly basis?

Mr Speaker: These are the kind of questions I am very reluctant to refer to ministers because they are clearly new. Sometimes, I allow those who want to venture to respond.

The Minister of Higher Education (Dr Kaingu): Mr Speaker, Hon. Mweetwa has said that we give sober answers …

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: … and he was referring to the hon. Minister. 

Laughter

Dr Kaingu: I, therefore, want to thank him for that but, unfortunately, we are unable to give an answer to that question at the moment.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: I am sure you understand, hon. Member for Nkana. I have always talked about this. Hon. Ministers do not move around with information. It is not just possible. It is impracticable. They sit on vast information. So, you need to be specific if you want a particular response.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, what measures has the ministry put in place to ensure that as colleges are turned into universities, they will not lose the actual technical staff that are able to teach the lower classes, especially if they do not train them?  

Mr Mushanga: Mr Speaker, that is a very good question from Hon. Request Muntanga, Member of Parliament for Kalomo Central.

 Sir, so far, there are about thirteen Government colleges of education. In addition, the private sector is contributing to the education sector. The House may wish to know that there are about 110 colleges of education from the private sector. Therefore, as we turn some of the colleges into universities, the private colleges of education that are already complementing what the Government is doing. Let me assure the House that turning some of the colleges into universities will have no negative effect whatsoever because the private sector is producing quality teachers to teach in both primary and secondary schools.

 I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Bishop Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha: Mr Speaker, many colleges and universities are being advertised on television in Zambia. I would like to find out from the hon. Minister whether there is a body that regulates the standards of those teaching in all the colleges in order to maintain standards.

Mr Mushanga: Mr Speaker, there are bodies such as the Teaching Council of Zambia that take care of the concerns that the hon. Member has raised. The council looks at the provision of quality education and training as well as registration and accreditation. Therefore, there are bodies both under the Ministries of General Education and Higher Education.

 I thank you, Sir.   

BRAILLE BALLOT PAPERS

357. Mr Mbewe asked the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to introduce Braille ballot papers to enable visually-impaired citizens to participate in voting, unaided;

(b)    if so, when the plans would be implemented; and

(c)    if there were no such plans, why.

The Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Mr Sichalwe): Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) will provide Braille ballot paper jackets at all the polling stations to enable the visually impaired voters to take part in elections without or with minimal assistance, depending on their literacy in Braille.

Sir, the commission has already put in place measures to provide Braille ballot paper jackets to visually impaired voters. Braille ballot papers have been used in previous by-elections and will also be used in the 2016 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, may I know if there is a programme that has been put in place to sensitise the blind so that they know what to do. 

Mr Speaker: Order!

Please, let us use the appropriate and acceptable terminology. We refer to such conditions as “visually impaired” and ‘visually challenged” as opposed to the terminology used by the hon. Member for Chadiza.

 Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, I wish to withdraw the word “blind” and substitute it with “visually impaired”.

Mr Sichalwe: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member of Parliament may wish to know that in my response, I referred to the fact that ballot papers in Braille have been used in pervious By-elections. I can attest to the fact that ballot papers in Braille were used during the By-elections in Chawama, Senga Hill and Masaiti parliamentary constituencies. To this effect, our visually-impaired colleagues have been educated and are continuing to be educated on the use of the papers in question.

 Sir, I thank you.  

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, now that the hon. Minister has said that ballot papers in Braille have been used in pervious by-elections, may I know whether they will be available for use in all the 150 constituencies. If so, I would like to know whether there are visually-impaired persons who are also illiterate in all the 150 constituencies who have registered as voters. If not, what is the logic in giving a blanket supply of such ballot papers which are associated with some costs? Further, why did the Government not ensure that at the time of the registration of voters, the ballot papers that are made for our colleagues are in tandem with the numbers required so that the cost aspect makes sense?

 The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, the countrywide sensitisation for the 2016 Elections to be undertaken by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) will include the visually-impaired persons. 

 Mr Speaker, I thank you.

 Mr Speaker: Order!

The hon. Member for Choma Central would like to find out whether the sensitisation programme was established in advance in all the 150 constituencies where the visually impaired are found. May Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning justify the provision of the special ballot papers in all the 150 constituencies.

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning: Mr Speaker, I believe that the statistics are there that determined that there are visually-impaired persons in all the 150 constituencies. I do not think that this information was based on assumption. However, we shall find out exactly how this was arrived at. All I know is that there are quite a number of visually-impaired persons in most of the constituencies.

 I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: Very well. If you have an opportunity, please, just confirm with the House in due course.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, I heard the hon. Deputy Minister say that he is a living testimony of a Member who was a candidate in an election where ballot papers for the visually impaired were used. In view of this, I would like to know whether he is also a visually-impaired person, hence the reason for the glasses he is wearing. I would also like to know whether Her Honour the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning will ensure that people who are not visually impaired are also referred to as living examples of the visually impaired.

Mr Speaker: Well, I do not think I will ask the hon. Minister to respond to that question because I understood him very well. He was referring to his experience as a candidate in the by-election in his constituency. Anyway, it goes without demonstration that it cannot be otherwise.

Mr Mutelo (Lukulu West): Mr Speaker, how are the visually-impaired citizens in Mitete and Shang’ombo going to vote using the ballot papers in Braille when they have not been taught how to use them? Also, how will the deaf and dumb citizens vote?

Mr Sichalwe: Mr Speaker, the hon. Member may wish to know that our visually-impaired colleagues have an association which propagates their needs. Therefore, this association, together with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), will certainly come on board to educate its members on how to use the ballot papers.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Speaker: And the latter question?

Mr Sichalwe: Mr Speaker, I believe those who are deaf are able to use their vision. So, they will be able to mark against the candidate they intend to vote for.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Speaker: I think it stands to reason.

Laughter

KALABO/KALONGOLA ROAD

358. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of Works and Supply:

(a)    when the Kalabo/Kalongola Road would be upgraded to bituminous standard;

(b)    whether the Government had any plans to rehabilitate the following river crossing points in Kalabo District;

(i)    Kaunga Lueti; and

(ii)    Ndoka;

(c)    if so, when the plans would be implemented; and

(d)    if there were no such plans, why.
Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the construction of the Kalabo/Kalongola Road is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2016. The contract has been awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited for a sum of K1,695,918,648.60 for the duration of forty-eight months.

Sir, the Government, through the Road Development Agency (RDA), has plans to construct the above-mentioned crossing points under the same contract.

Mr Speaker, the works on the crossing points will be implemented under the same contract and are scheduled to commence in 2016.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the hon. Minister’s progressive answer. However, Ndoka Crossing Point is not very reliable, as it has logs and mud and might be washed away by the heavy rainfall. Does the Government have any plans to work on this crossing point?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, that is a very important question. In fact, the latest information that has been availed to the ministry is that the Kaunga Lueti Crossing Point has been worked on by the Zambia Army. As we know, the Zambia National Service (ZNS) is very active in the province. So, we shall liaise with them and see if they can work on the other crossing point.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Ndalamei (Sikongo): Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister assure us if the contractor will be on site and will start working on the road in the second quarter of the year which starts next month?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, second quarter is not hearsay. It exists.

Laughter

Dr Mwali: Therefore, the works will commence in the second quarter of the year because that is when the rains will stop.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I have been prompted to ask a question because of the hon. Deputy Minister’s response. He indicated that the duration for these works is forty-eight months. It has reminded me of the various pronouncements that have been made on the Floor of the House, but have never seen the light of day. For instance, the Choma Township Roads Project has stalled, but it had a time frame. For the Kafue/Mazabuka Road, the hon. Minister told us that construction works on that road would commence in September, 2015. These are not politics but reality. Could he assure us that he is not just cooking up answers to satisfy this question and answer session …

Mr Speaker: Hon. Member, I do not think I will permit you to use the word “cooking”. I do not think we “cook” anything here.

Mr Mweetwa: I withdraw the word, Sir.

Mr Speaker, could the hon. Minister assure me that he does not just concoct answers that he grills …

Laughter

Mr Mweetwa: … in order to satisfy …

Mr Speaker: I do not think you can use those two words in one sentence.

Laughter

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, it is because my normal vocabulary has been tampered with.

Laughter

Mr Speaker: You have contradicted yourself. Anyway, I think the point has been made. Let the hon. Minister respond to the question.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, that is a very deep question. All I am saying is that the contractor has been awarded the contract and will facilitate the implementation of the project. The Government and contractor are currently finalising the financing agreement and the works will soon commence. As regards some projects taking longer despite their durations being projected, there are also instances when works are completed before the projected time. When they are not completed before the projected time, we ask for variations and look at why they delayed.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

Mr Muntanga: Mr Speaker, the Kalabo/Kalongola Road is the shorter route to the Zambezi West Bank. Have you considered constructing bridges on this road such as the ones on the Mongu/Kalabo Road? That way, when there is flooding, which extends to the western side, the bridges will not be submerged in water. That way, we will not need to start all over again.

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, we did not have the opportunity to look at the design of this road. However, the fact that this project has a contract sum of K1.6 billion says a lot. It means that the terrain may be comparable to that on the Mongu/Kalabo Road. Maybe, certain portions of the road may necessitate the putting up of structures similar to those on the Mongu/Kalabo Road. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Milambo (Mwembeshi): Mr Speaker, we have been told that this project has a contract sum of K1.6 billion. I would like to know whether the project has a guarantee bond. If it has, which financial institution issued it?

Dr Mwali: Mr Speaker, the financing model we are using is the contractor-financed model, and the contractor is not getting any money from the Government. It is between the contractor and the financing institution. Those are the arrangements between the financier and the contractor. So, we are not privy to those details.

I thank you, Sir.

PUBLIC SERVICE PENSION FUND

359. Mr Mutelo asked the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning:

(a)    what the financial position of the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) was as of December, 2014;

(b)    how viable the PSPF is, in the short and long term;

(c)    if the fund is not viable, especially in the long term, what steps the Government was taking to save it from collapse.

The Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice-President (Mr Bwalya): Mr Speaker, as at 31st December, 2014, the financial position of the board was K1,647,790, 000. The total liabilities were K1,176,750,000, leaving a net financial position of K471 million. 

Sir, ...

Interruptions

Mr Speaker: Order, on the far right Backbench!

Mr Bwalya: ... in both the short and long term, the fund is technically insolvent. The latest actuarial valuation conducted in 2012 indicates an actuarial deficit of K24.63 billion, with a corresponding funding level of 3 per cent. The recommendations by the actuary were that:

(a)    there be a substantial increase in the contribution rate; and

(b)    the government pays a lump sum of K24.633 billion or make contributions over time.

Sir, in the short term, the Government created a financing gap budget line in 2010 to help cushion the financing gap. In 2015 and 2016, a total of K550 million was allocated in the National Budget along with a grant of K255 million, giving a total of K805 million in Government support to the scheme.

Mr Speaker, as a long-term measure, the Government has embarked on reforming the pension scheme to make it affordable and enable it to provide adequate benefits and to become sustainable. Pension reforms entail restructuring the pension schemes, harmonising the legal framework and redesigning the pension rules. The Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) is essentially an occupational scheme for public servants and will be aligned to provide, at least, a replacement ratio of 20 per cent. The reform of the pension scheme will be done in such a way that the accrued pension rights of the members will be preserved.

Sir, the Government has already demonstrated its resolve to implement the reforms by adjusting upwards the retirement age for those in the public service. In addition, the Draft Social Protection Bill has been developed. This will essentially kick-start the wider pension reforms. This will be presented to Parliament soon.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, apart from increasing the contributions, there is a lump sum of K24.63 which the Government has to pay. When is the Government paying that lump sum?

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, the actuarial deficit of K24.63 billion is one option that we were given by the actuary. When I outlined the two options, I said that one of them is to increase the contribution rate substantially. Therefore, there is no time limit. The idea is to resuscitate the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) and make it viable by way of applying the various options that were given by those who conducted the actuarial valuations.

I thank you, Sir.

ZAMBIA NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK

360. Mr Mbewe asked the Minister of Finance: 

(a)    how many branches the Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) had opened from the time Rabobank took over the running of the Bank;

(b)    how much profits ZANACO made from the time the operations of the Bank were taken over, year by year; and

(c)    what economic benefits had accrued to Zambia following the partial privatisation of ZANACO.

The Deputy Minister of Finance (Mr Mvunga): Mr Speaker, from the time Rabobank took over the running of ZANACO, following the privatisation in 2007, the bank has opened four new branches. At the time of privatisation, the bank had fifty branches. Currently, there are fifty-four branches. 

Sir, I will tabulate the profits made since the takeover from 2007 to 2014.

Year            Profit after tax (K’m)

2007                  47
2008                  52
2009                  79
2010                113
2011                121
2012                156
2013                186
2014        143

Mr Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1615 hours until 1630 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mvunga: Mr Speaker, before business was suspended, I had just finished responding to parts (a) and (b) of the Question. Some of the significant economic benefits that have accrued to Zambia since the management takeover of ZANACO by Rabobank include:

(a)    dividends payable to the Government have increased from around K10 million in 2006 to K66.9 million in 2014 while corporate tax cumulatively increased from K8.8 million in 2006 to K417.1 million in December, 2014. 

(b)    staff strength also increased from 1,150 jobs in 2006 to 1,391 in 2014 and the number of customers also swelled to 850,000 in 2014 as opposed to 180,000 in 2006; and

(c)    the number of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) customers increased from 1,200 in 2006 to 18,600 in 2014.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, does the ministry have any plans to assist some banks which are not doing as well as ZANACO?

Mr Mvunga: Mr Speaker, that is a general question because the Government only participates in the operations of banks where it has got interest. For instance, we cannot go to Standard Chartered Bank Plc and tell the management what to do with their business. However, the Government assists State-owned enterprises through representation on boards.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, I am quite innocent when it comes to financial matters. However, having listened to what the hon. Minister has said, I am persuaded to believe that the Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) is on a ‘rising curve’ in terms of profits. Would you confirm that a cumulative comparative analysis shows that ever since Rabobank took over the management of ZANACO, there has been a positive increase in terms of profits. Would you, therefore, attribute the positive development to the coming on board of Rabobank. Further, what message do you have for those who vehemently and solidly opposed the coming in of Rabobank?

Mr Mvunga: Mr Speaker, I would like to thank Hon. Mweetwa for that question. One important factor to consider is the size and muscle of an organisation. So, when you bring in international banks that are bigger in size and have more advanced technology, and higher service levels, arising from their financial muscle, they can deploy capital into the bank and make it more efficient. So, ZANACO has improved after the takeover of management by Rabobank. What do I have to say regarding the sceptics of privatisation? I think the overall objective of privatisation is to ensure that companies run and operate more efficiently. So, it is a positive thing that the management of ZANACO was taken over by Rabobank.

I thank you, Mr Speaker.

PUBLIC SERVICE PENSIONERS

361. Mr Mutelo asked the Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning:

(a)    what the lowest paid Public Service pensioner got as of October, 2015;

(b)    whether the amount was enough to meet the basic needs of a retiree;

(c)    whether the Government was aware that the depreciation of the Kwacha in the last quarter of 2015 seriously eroded its purchasing power; and

(d)    if so, what measures the Government had taken to protect the vulnerable pensioners from the effects of the weak currency.

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, the lowest amount paid to a pensioner as at 31st October, 2015 was K3,072 per year, which translates to K256 per month. The highest annual pension amount paid was K84,768.06, which translates to K7,064.05 per month. On average, a pensioner got an annual pension of K5,613.53, that is about K467.79 per month.

Mr Speaker, a retiree is paid a lump sum of 67 per cent, which is two-thirds of the pension benefits upon retirement. The remaining 33 per cent, which is one-third of the pension benefits, is paid as a monthly pension or annuity.

Mr Speaker, the one-third of pension benefits is not adequate to meet basic needs. However, pensioners are advised to opt for a lower amount as lump sum in order to have a higher monthly pension. According to the Act, the fund is expected to maintain the real value of the pension paid to pensioners and beneficiaries. 

Mr Speaker, the Government is aware of the fact that the depreciation of the Kwacha in the last quarter of 2015 has had a negative impact on its purchasing power.

Mr Speaker, adjustments in the pension will be implemented by 1st April, 2016, which shall take into account both the economic situation of the country and the recommendations by the actuarial, as guided by the Constitution.

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutelo: Mr Speaker, if I heard the hon. Deputy Minister correctly, he stated that retirees got K356 per month. Is this adequate to sustain a retiree who would have been getting between K2,000 and K10,000 per month whilst in employment?

Mr Speaker: Some of these questions prompt me to request Members to go through the Motions.

Laughter

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, I did not say that retirees were getting K356 but K256 per month. Obviously, as already stated, it may not be enough. The truth of the matter is that the depreciation of the Kwacha and other economic factors affect the amount of money that is paid to retirees. However, the biggest factor is, first and foremost, the salary that one was getting and the contributions that were remitted to the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) determines how much one gets per month. To answer your question, in simple terms, it may not be adequate. 

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, with your indulgence, I would like to take advantage of this question to find out from the hon. Minister about the consequences of the new retirement law. 

Sir, in his response, the hon. Minister has indicated that the depreciation of the currency and other factors reduce the value of the amount of money one is receiving. Not too long ago, the Government introduced a law that requires people to retire either at 55, 60 or 65 years. It has turned out, especially amongst teachers and nurses, that they are being compelled to continue working even when their legally-binding contractual period, which is 55 years, has come to an end. Having in mind that the depreciation of the Kwacha is detrimental to the retiree, what efforts are you making to sensitise workers that they are not bound by the new law that has been put in place as it works to their detriment, especially that it requires that at retirement, they only get 10 per cent of the terminal benefits?

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, sensitisation is done by the employer that, in this case, is the Government. I want to believe that at the time of joining the Civil Service, the employees are sensitised and given to understand their terms and conditions of service. At that point, they are also made to understand which pension fund to contribute to. 

Mr Speaker, I must hasten to state that after the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) came into being in 2000, the number of clients to the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) started to decline because those who were employed after that started contributing to NAPSA. Therefore, in terms of sensitisation, terms and conditions have been made known to employees to enable them to choose whether to retire at the age of 55, 60 or 65. 

Mr Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, the issue of pension reforms has been at the centre of our existence in this Parliament. The National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) had a proper foundation. So, had it been harnessed well, most of these issues we are faced with now would have been cured. Paying someone approximately K250,000 as a minimum pension is an insult to a worker. Under NAPSA, there is a better minimum pension. I would like the hon. Minister to tell me how much his ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to harmonise the long-awaited Pension Reforms involving the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF), Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF) and NAPSA. NAPSA came into being to provide a minimum pension scheme for all the workers in the country, leaving LASF and PSPF as occupational pension schemes. 

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, there is very close collaboration between the Office of the Vice-President and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in as far as Pension Reforms are concerned. That is the more reason the legal fraternity is working on harmonising the various pension and social security rules and regulations so that we can provide meaningful pension to workers. Indeed, NAPSA was formed for the reason the hon. Member has mentioned. Those who have been contributing to NAPSA have had no difficulties in getting their pensions. NAPSA is doing a commendable job and is being overseen by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. So, we are collaborating seriously and earnestly and we want to ensure that all the legal aspects concerning social security are harmonised and worked on properly. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Lufuma (Kabompo West): Mr Speaker, I would like to find out whether the meagre monthly pension payments continue after the demise of the pensioner? Are they transferable to relatives after the demise of the pensioner? 

Mr Bwalya: Mr Speaker, under the law, on the demise of the retiree, if there are beneficiaries who are registered with the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) and are within the stipulated age, they qualify to get the benefits. 

I thank you, Sir. 

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS

362. Mr Miyutu asked the Minister of General Education:

(a)    whether the Government had any plans to provide textbooks to primary schools across the country;

(b)    if so, when the plans would be implemented; and 

(c)    whether the lack of textbooks had impacted negatively on the quality of teaching.  

The Deputy Minister of General Education (Mr Mabumba): Mr Speaker, the Government has always provided textbooks and has plans to continue providing textbooks to all primary schools countrywide. As regards the revised curriculum, plans were instituted to revise the textbooks in line with the new curriculum immediately it was introduced in schools in January, 2014. 

Sir, the provision of textbooks is being implemented in a phased approach in line with the road map of curriculum implementation as follows: 

(a)    Phase I, Grades, 1,5,8 and 10;

(b)    Phase II, Grades 2,6,9 and 11;

(c)    Phase III, Grade 3, 7 and 12; and
(d)    Phase IV Grade 4.

Sir, the book procurement and distribution exercise was delayed by over a year due to the protracted court proceedings which we have referred to on the Floor of the House. Phase I was implemented in 2015, with 2,865,104 Grade 1 textbooks and 1,773,515 Grade 5 textbooks in various subjects being distributed countrywide. Additionally, 879,000 Grades 1 and 2 literacy textbooks were also distributed to primary schools countrywide. Contracts for Phase 2 distribution of textbooks were awarded and we are waiting for the publishers to start delivering the books. 

Mr Speaker, the curriculum has only been revised to cater for global emerging issues and make it responsive to the educational needs of the 21st Century. It has not undergone a complete overhaul. It, therefore, follows that though there have been a number of inclusions, the underpinning content of most of the subjects remains the same. Therefore, the textbooks that have been in use in primary schools remain relevant to the extent that the quality of teaching and learning has not been compromised. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Miyutu: Mr Speaker, I appreciate the response given by the hon. Minister. However, I assume that it relates to urban areas. The distribution of books is not erratic but non-existent in schools in Kalabo. This is one of the factors that lead to pupils being charged school levies. It is one of the factors which compel headteachers of schools …

Mr Speaker: What is your question?

Mr Miyutu: What measures can the Government put in place to enable schools in remote areas to benefit from the distribution of textbooks which we do not see?

Mr Mwamba: Because you are here!

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, like I said earlier, as far as the Ministry of General Education is concerned, the distribution of textbooks is a national exercise. If Hon. Miyutu is of the view that in Kalabo, textbooks are not available, given the number of textbooks that have been procured, we can investigate the matter further and come back to him. However, like I said, the books are distributed nationally. 

As regards the distribution of textbooks in line with the revised curriculum, this is a process that is being implemented in phases. So, Hon. Miyutu should not expect the textbooks to be in all the schools at the same time. This is, however, a matter that I will have to crosscheck with the District Education Board Secretary for Kalabo to verify if at all the district has not received the new textbooks that have been supplied. 

I thank you, Sir. 

PRIMARY SCHOOL EXERCISE BOOKS

363. Mr Mbewe asked the Minister of General Education how many primary schools in the following districts received free exercise books under the Free Education Policy:
(a)    Chadiza;

(b)    Mwandi;

(c)    Mwense; and 

(d)    Luangwa.

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, thirty-nine out of fifty-two schools in Chadiza District have received exercise books as part of the Free Education Policy in 2015. A total of 2,218,849 books were delivered. 

In Mwandi, all the thirty-five primary schools in the district received exercise books under the Free Education Policy in 2015. In Mwense, all the fifty-one primary schools received the books in 2015 under the said policy. In Luangwa District, all the eighteen primary schools in the district also received the books under the Free Education Policy. 

I thank you, Sir. 

Mr Mbewe: Mr Speaker, resources should be shared equitably. Why are there schools that have not received books in Chadiza, yet schools in Mwandi, Mwense and Luangwa, where the hon. Ministers come from, have received books? What is the cause of this discrepancy? When will the books be given to schools in Chadiza?

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, I expected that question from Hon. Mbewe.

Laughter 

Mr Mabumba: Sir, thirty-nine out of fifty-two schools in Chadiza were given books in 2015. Some of the 2,218,849 books which were delivered are still in Chadiza awaiting distribution to the remaining schools. The books are there, but transportation may be a challenge because some of the schools are far away from the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) Office. We shall follow up this issue.

I thank you, Sir.

Mr Livune: Mr Speaker, would the Ministry of General Education co-operate if the hon. Member of Parliament for the area provided transport to take the books to the schools in Chadiza?

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament are key stakeholders in national development. Therefore, if a Member of Parliament, like Hon. Mbewe, were to provide his Land Cruiser, he would be able to collect the books from the DEBS Office in Chadiza and distribute them to the schools. I encourage hon. Members of Parliament to provide transport if there are books at the DEBS Office in their constituencies.

Mr Speaker: Last question from Choma Central.
Mr Mweetwa: Mr Speaker, ...

Mr Speaker: I will extend to Mumbwa.

Mr Mweetwa: Ah! I wanted to be the last one.

Laughter 

Mr Speaker: Why?

Mr Mweetwa: To wind up my active day.

Sir, the hon. Minister is responding to a question that relates to the Free Education Policy, in particular, about the distribution of books. Other than Chadiza, Choma Central is also going through a similar situation.

Mr Speaker, what does the hon. Minister mean by Free Education Policy when he is failing to deliver books and pupils are still paying user fees?

Mr Livune: Hear, hear!

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, the Free Primary Education Policy entails that the ministry provides an allocation in the Budget to buy exercise books, pencils and rulers which are given to pupils free of charge. We have repeatedly stated that Grades 1 to 7 are not compelled to pay school fees. A minimal fee can be charged only under exceptional circumstances where the Parent/Teachers’ Association (PTA) and the school management agree. However, even if a pupil refuses to pay, he/she cannot be chased from school. 

Sir, if hon. Members have such issues in their constituencies or districts, let them bring them to our attention and we shall deal with them accordingly.

I thank you, Sir.

Brig-Gen. Dr Chituwo: Mr Speaker, the Ministry of General Education has a standard textbook to pupil ratio. How does the hon. Minister expect the schools in the district to achieve the bare minimum in terms of quality of education if they do not have the basic materials?  

Mr Mabumba: Mr Speaker, we are talking about exercise books and not textbooks.

I thank you, Sir.

__________

BILLS 

THIRD READING

The following Bill was read the third time and passed:

The Civil Aviation Bill, 2015
_________

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice-President and Minister of Development Planning (Mrs Wina): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

________

The House adjourned at 1901 hours until 1430 on Thursday, 10th March, 2016.